The company's entrance into Quebec has been touted by the provincial government as a key part of a strategy to become a major battery-making hub.

Ottawa is suspending the environment minister’s authority to force major energy or mining projects to be judged for environmental impact as part of a temporary operating plan for the Impact Assessment Agency.

Orennia's CEO Brook Papau says the funds will allow the Calgary-based firm to double in size over the next 12 months.